Welcome to day 17 of the UW Bothell Earth Month Sustainability Challenge!
Each day of April you can expect a blog post with the day’s challenge, as well as some background information, optional additional reading to expand your knowledge, resources, and updates on other events brought to you by the UWB Sustainability Office.
Today’s challenge is: Buy second hand!
The clothes you wear may be contributing to climate change. Fast fashion refers to the fast turnover fate of fashion trends, the speed with which clothes are produced, and the lack of longevity. The fast fashion industry relies on consumers endlessly buying more clothes, tempting consumers with ultra-cheap garments and ever-changing new trends. This rate of turnover is entirely unsustainable for people and planet.
Fast fashion trends are inherently tied to celebrity/influencer culture. Thanks to social media, trends can change overnight and fast fashion brands race to recreate affordable versions of celebrity outfits. For example, after Kylie Jenner wore a bodysuit that went viral, Manchester-based brand In the Style designed, manufactured, and put to market a knock-off version within 10 days.
This is in contrast to fashion brands that plan out new trends and styles years in advance, but these high fashion brands cost much more and are unattainable for most people. A great way to find the middle ground is to buy second hand! Often you can find higher-end, more durable and better quality brands in thrift stores for much cheaper than their sticker price. These clothes have stood the test of time and are still in great condition. You can also donate your old clothes to thrift stores rather than throwing them out.
Lucky for you, we are having a pop-up thrift store April 18th, 19th and 20th right here at UW Bothell/Cascadia College! This store will be completely free and open to the public! Come see what we have from 10-12 on the campus Plaza!
Additional Reading:
Get involved with Earth Month. Check out our website to find out more information about events, this year’s theme, and our Sustainability Action Plan!
Upcoming Earth Month Events:
- Clothing Swap pop-up thrift store 4/18-20
- Farm lunch and learn 4/19
- Climate solutions and hope faculty panel 4/20
- Environmental Career Fair 4/26
Thank you for participating, I hope to see you at our clothing swap!
UW Bothell Sustainability Office 
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